ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – As temperatures drop, those facing homelessness or power outages in Albuquerque are at risk, with city shelters nearing capacity.
KOB 4 checked out how the city and state are stepping up to help. Many city and community partner shelters are at or over capacity. However, some spots are still open, and Albuquerque Community Safety is giving rides to shelters every night from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.
“The simple piece of picking them up and putting them in a van that’s warm is huge for those individuals, right?” said Walter Adams, ACS deputy director of field operations. “I think the numbers show that a lot more people are accepting that shelter and the offer of shelter.”
The ACLU has expressed doubts about the city’s ability to provide enough beds when clearing encampments. While the city claims over 1,000 beds are available, nearly 3,000 people face homelessness in Albuquerque. Those with housing but without power or heat can also contact ACS for shelter transportation.
Warming centers
For those outside Albuquerque, the American Red Cross has set up six warming centers in Lea, Lincoln, and Guadalupe counties. These centers offer shelter, power, and food at no cost.
“Warming centers are a safe place to be,” said Edgar Olivo, CEO of the American Red Cross Arizona & New Mexico. “It’s where you can find power, for example, to charge your cell phone, medical devices, access any health, hunger or housing issues.”
To find the nearest warming center, download the Red Cross Emergency App.
